What does hybridization involve?

Hybridization involves breeding between two different species. It occurs when individuals from distinct species interbreed, resulting in offspring that may possess traits from both parent species. This process is significant in speciation as it can introduce genetic diversity and lead to the formation of new species, especially in environments where closely related species coexist. Hybridization can also impact evolutionary processes, as hybrid offspring may exhibit traits that allow better adaptation to specific environments, potentially influencing the genetics of both parent species over time.

Understanding hybridization's role in speciation is crucial in recognizing how species adapt and evolve through genetic exchanges and the creation of new genetic combinations. This is distinct from other processes such as breeding between similar species, gene exchange within a single population, or the introduction of random mutations, which do not specifically define hybridization.